An overview of animal models induced by glucocorticoids

Abstract

Glucocorticoids are widely employed for treating various disorders, but their administration is associated with multiple adverse effects. To study and understand these side effects, pre -clinical animal models have been developed. Experimental models that replicate essential aspects of human diseases offer valuable tools for assessing potential therapeutic agents and elucidating molecular and cellular pathways in a controlled environment. In this review, we provide an overview of various animal models in which glucocorticoids have been utilized to induce humanlike disorders across different body systems. These disorders encompass hypertension, skin atrophy, hair loss, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, gastric mucosal damage, growth retardation, muscle atrophy, osteoporosis, osteonecrosis, depression-like behavior, glaucoma, and cataracts.